A World of Sock Technology.

Training Document 2009

The Brand

Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd is the market leader in the

manufacture of technical Outdoor socks for: Walking / Hiking,

Mountaineering, Running, Skiing, and Everyday.

 

We set out to design and manufacture the most comfortable

socks on the market; using the latest machinery, the most

progressive designs and the most advanced yarn

technology. Our core technology of WoolFusion® combines

natural fibres with man made fibres ensuring Bridgedale

socks are the most comfortable you will ever wear!

 

We sell Bridgedale socks in over 40 countries worldwide.

Whether for walking the Appalachian Trail or climbing Mount

Fuji, Bridgedale socks have become the most trusted and

comfortable sock brand on the market.

 

The packaging has been designed to help with selecting the

most appropriate product in store and the rest of our

marketing materials reflect our new ‘foot logo’ branding.

Bridgedale design their socks, they don’t outsource

manufacturers or designers, this way they can be sure the

quality outcome is premium and intensely thought about!

The quality control and assurance of Bridgedale’s socks has

enabled them to own 50% of the UK market share, supported

by extensive POS and advertising campaigns.

Contents:1. Top selling points of Bridgedale

2. The 10-stage process of a Bridgedale sock

3. WoolFusion technology – how it works

4. T2 Technology – a unique blend of comfort

5. The Outdoor Series

6. The Bamboo Series

7. The Fast & Light Series

8. The Liner Series

9. Coolmax – Why, What, How?

10. The Winter Series

11. Merino Wool – Baaaahh

12. The Brand – who are the Bridgedalites?

Enduring Comfort is a way of life at Bridgedale.

WoolFusion protects the yarn in your socks, so your feet stay comfortable for

longer

10-stages of the comfort creation process!

1. Bridgedale is manufactured in Newtownards, Northern

Ireland

2. 35 people work in the Bridgedale factory, and assist with

various processes to bring you comfort

3. Bridgedale is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

4. The sock development team at Bridgedale HQ,

implement proposals for new, technically elite socks!

5. The ‘spiders web’, yarns are transferred off their original

blocks to cones, which are suitable for the knitting

machines

6. This is also where the WoolFusion® unique technology

happens; a process of combining the highest quality

yarns; Merino wool or Tough wool, and fuses them with

high performance microfibres; Coolmax® or Endurofil™.

7. The process of threading together multitudes of yarn

happens inside the knitting head. This expensive knitter

has a quite crazy way of performing, with complicated

innards working wizardry!

8. The cleverly programmed computer forms the sock

‘tube’ and progresses onto a finishing stitch, which

closes the toe.

9. To enable the exquisite sock structure the socks are

placed into a large ‘tumble dryer, where they are

subsequently steamed at a high temperature and dried.

Once this process has been finalized the socks are

manually placed onto steel foot forms to go through the

pressing machine

10. The pressed socks are moved over to quality control

where they are examined for imperfections. Every single

sock is paired and inspected by hand!

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The Process:

WoolFusion® TechnologyWoolFusion® is our unique technology that sets Bridgedale apart

from other sock brands. WoolFusion® socks provide: supreme, lasting

comfort: they are warm when they need to be and wick when there is excess

moisture. Overall they are extremely comfortable and hard wearing – this is enduring

comfort. This unique technology, results in socks that perform to the highest level.

WoolFusion: White: Coolmax and Black is merino Wool

Bridgedale’s WoolFusion® technology combines the highest quality natural

yarns; Merino wool or Tough wool, and fuses them with high performance

microfibres; Coolmax® or Endurofil™. The WoolFusion process enhances the

Merino Wool qualities by wrapping it with an acrylic based fibre [Coolmax or

Endurofil] to give maximum durability WITHOUT compromising on comfort

Guarantee‘Enduring Comfort’. 3-Year WoolFusion® Guarantee:

“Bridgedale WoolFusion® socks are guaranteed.” We are so confident

about the Enduring performance of our socks that we are offering a 3 Year

guarantee with all socks made using our WoolFusion® technology.

Comfort Guarantee:

Products without WoolFusion® come with a 1 year guarantee. These

products will still perform to a very high level but have not been made

with the WoolFusion® technology.

Yarn Technology

Merino Wool is 100% natural making it

finer, softer, more insulating and more

breathable. Merino Wool is the finest wool

used in the Bridgedale range. Merino Wool

offers superb softness and touch next to

skin. A combination of Merino Wool and

Endurofil™ provides excellent thermal and

moisture control properties. Merino wool

and tough wool

Coolmax® - Found in 31% of Bridgedale socks

Coolmax® is combined with either Merino wool or

Cotton for a soft, fine touch next to skin. The 4-

channel construction draws moisture away from the

skin and transports it to the outer surface for

maximum dryness and comfort all day.

Endurofil™ is a thermal yarn and is combined with Tough wool and Merino wool for superb wicking and durability. Endurofil™ is a polypropylene fibre, which also offers high abrasion and wash resistance.

T2 Rebound CushioningT2 Anti-compression loop Technology, exclusive to Bridgedale. This is

a loop within a loop which offers an additional level of impact protection;

the inner loop has even more resilience than the outer loop for cushioning

when you need it. T2 pad technology has been knit into the pressure

points: ball of the foot, lace up area and Achilles, offering enduring

comfort all day long.You can visually see the T2 technology in Bridgedale Fast & Light socks

with the defined colouring: what socks?

TIP! T2 Cushioned socks are ideal

for ‘Faster, Lighter’ footwear! After

spending time choosing you shoes,

make sure they perform their best

with your chosen socks!

Remember; “your shoes are only as

good as the socks inside them!”

Outdoor Series

This range of socks is designed to offer Enduring Comfort for a wide range

of Outdoor activities from Mountaineering in the Himalayas to a day hike in

the Lake District.How to distinguish from the 2 yarn

combinations:

LINERSAlways make sure you add Liners into the range – after all they

are our best selling socks with next-to-skin dryness and comfort!

Summit

The Summit range is designed to be worn in colder conditions and includes high density cushioning

that remains resilient all day long.

Trekker

The Trekking range are mid-weight

socks for 3 season hiking and trekking

in all conditions.

Endurance

WoolFusion® socks with Tough

Wool and Endurofil™.

These socks are built to last and are extremely

durable

Comfort

WoolFusion® socks with Merino

Wool and Coolmax® built for softness and superb wicking performance.

DURABILITY COMFORT

WINTER AUTUMN / SPRING SUMMER

START

Trail

The Trail range offers 2 season versatility for

summer hiking and trails.

HINT! Go to the Footwear section BEFORE you meet your customer; match the socks to shoes! Outdoor socks range from heavy-lightweight and cover a multitude of outdoor activities therefore it is important that you stock a range of weights to compliment outdoor enthusiasts and their footwear choices!

With over 35 styles of sock in the range decide whether your customers are more likely to require endurance or comfort this will reduce POS confusion!

Bamboo is an excellent natural and renewable fibre

with a silky texture that quickly absorbs moisture. It is

a naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic and

grows without the use of chemicals or pesticides.

Bamboo benefits the environment by guzzling

greenhouse gases storing four times more CO2 than a

similar stand of trees while releasing 35 percent more

oxygen. Bamboo is a great solution to global climate

change.1. Bamboo typically only flowers every 60-100 years. Propagating in

test-tubes allows more ‘flowering’ and increases CO2 in-take,

producing more oxygen (35% more than standard trees).

2. Bamboo requires no chemicals or pesticides! Bamboo is a great

solution to global climate change.

3. Naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic, Bamboo is the fabric of

choice for 2009.

Soft and silk-like comfort – Naturally

antimicrobial freshness – Highly breathable

and quick drying – Ideal for lifestyle, sport

and everyday

Bridgedale’s bamboo socks are showcased in efficient packaging that uses less resources.

Printed on 100% recycled paper using vegetable-based inks.

Fast & Light

Fast and Light socks are designed to wear with lighter,

more breathable footwear, in warmer conditions and

during faster moving activities.Active

High performance

socks made from a

cotton mix for

Summer use.

Designed with

cushioning to the

sole of the foot for

all day protection.

Recommended for

hiking, cycling and

Summer activities.

Ventum

The new Ventum

range features Be-

Fresh anti-

microbial

technology for long

lasting freshness.

Extra dense

padding to specific

areas with

asymmetric fit and

light mesh for

breathability.

X-Hale

The X-Hale range is

characterised by

aggressive styling

and a powerful look.

Designed to be worn

in warmer

conditions, highly

breathable mesh and

sculpted cushioning

that remains resilient

all day long.

Lighter footwear requires lighter

socks!More people are turning to approach shoes rather than the traditional

leather walking boot, as a result an Endurance Trekker could be too thick

and affect the comfort and performance of the footwear. All Bridgedale

Fast & Light socks have been designed with specific zones of cushioning

and specific zones of ventilation. Fast & Light socks offer:

1. WoolFusion® – comfort and performance

2. Quality – using the latest knitting technology

3. Design – for running by runners

4. Fit – Lycra® fit that stays fitted

5. Long term performance – 3 year guarantee

6. Mapped Cushioning (like no other sock manufacturer).

Multi Activity/Functional Footwear has also grown by 48.8% - Lightweight Walking/Hiking Footwear sales have grown by 52.0% - In the past 4 years Mountaineering/Trekking footwear sales have fallen by 55.0%

The Coolmax Liner is designed to be worn underneath a heavier sock as a protection against abrasion and for moisture transport.

Coolmax and nylon (wicks moisture away, keeps feet dry and comfortable) - Double cuff that stays in place without biting - Reinforced heel and toe - Flat toe seams - Available in Women’s fit.

The Thermal Liner is designed to be worn underneath

socks as a protection against abrasion and for moisture

transport.

A thin, smooth, quick-drying, highly breathable and fast

wicking liner sock designed to be worn under padded

walking socks to increase foot comfort and warmth, and

reduce the chances of blisters. Isolfil polypropylene

content for increased insulation in cold conditions, and

extended durability. Lycra content helps ensure a perfect

fit. Heel is reinforced for extra durability. Smooth toe

seam for extra comfort.

Liners

Liners - are Coolmax Liners and

Women's Coolmax Liners being

offered? If not then these are one of

the best selling Bridgedale lines; easy

add on sale as the socks can be worn

under another Bridgedale sock or on

their own.

Women’s Fit Key features found in the Bridgedale Women’s range:

Why are the Bridgedale women’s socks so good?

Our research showed us that the Women’s foot is different from a man’s and that’s not

just the nail varnish!; typically a slimmer fit and almost 15% lower volume, the heel

and toe areas are also slightly narrower.

Slim fit - lower volume design by 15%.

This slim fit ensures long term comfort. Avoids areas of excess material which can lead

to discomfort and possibly blistering.

Close ratio sizing

The Women’s sizes are UK Small 3-4.5, Medium 5-6.5 and Large 7-8.5. This gives a

better fit within a size as there is a smaller jump between sizes.

Narrower Heel Cup

The Bridgedale ‘Y’ Heel has been reduced in volume for a better fit.

Narrower Toe Box

Again to help improve fit we have reduced the volume of the toe box

Specific Cushioning

In the Women’s X-Hale Multisport the ‘ball of the foot’ pad is slightly deeper and wider

to encompass the shape of the women’s foot in this area.

Slightly shorter leg length

Whether wearing shorts, trousers or a skirt the leg length covers the top of the boot or

shoe and does not get in the way of too much sunshine!

Colours

Although we do have some pink in the range we have extensively researched the

market for the most popular active women’s colours. Our socks have strong appeal for

colour, design and function!

5 things to

remember!

Experts/Regular Skier Occasional/Rental Skier

Winter Sport SeriesPrecision Series A series designed for superior fit. Cushioning

targeted to the pressure zones. Merino wool/ Endurofil™ provides

warmth, softness and moisture control.

Snowboard Series Designed specifically for the snowboarder.

High density cushioning to the pressure zones. Merino

wool/Endurofil™ provides superior cold defence.

All Mountain Series Designed with dense cushioning throughout

for warmth during all alpine activities from downhill to alpine

touring. Merino wool/Endurofil™ provides superior cold defence.Bridgedale Winter Series are constructed

with the SAME WoolFusion technology as the

other series’. Merino Wool is entwined with

Endurofil to create a tough, comfortable and

durable performance sock for the slopes.

Ordinary ‘tube’ socks don’t wick moisture or

provide shin padding to support the legs

when gliding down the piste. With the extra

grip control and forward flex targeted zones

it prevents your socks slipping which can

become awkward when under ski boots.

Expert skiers require a ‘next to skin’ sock with little padding except where essential. For ‘everyday;’ skiers and seasonal holidayers the All Mountain series provides the extra padding

which is diverse for winter activities and shins which have had the last 9-months in comfy shoes!

For more information please contact Burton McCall on; 0116 234 4681